A ‘must listen’ for anyone ruing the loss of our early Blues guitar heroes as Chris Cain picks up the mantle.
Release Date: 19th July 2024
Label: Alligator Records
Format: CD / Digitak
For those who are unfamiliar with Chris Cain’s blues, which I wasn’t, and are avid followers of artists from the rich Alligator blues stable, which I am, and rue the loss of our early guitar blues heroes…this is a must listen for you!
Imagine you are 3 years old and your dad doesn’t take you to a footy match, seaside or toffee shop. No …… he takes you to see BB King. There’s only one way that’s going! Chris Cain’s musical career is the result of that significant event. BB oozes out of this glorious blues album, yet with Chris clearly adopting his own style of playing. Ultimately Chris gained the approval of his ‘toddler time’ hero…. “Chris Cain—now that boy can play guitar!” said BB!
This album is very easy on the ear with upbeat and heartfelt blues tunes. On Good Intentions Gone Bad, his lyrics can be cheekily amusing , personally revealing and highly sensitive and always crystal clear as is his intricate fretboard work.
Multi-instrumentalist Christoffer “Kid” Andersen took on production and engineer responsibilities, his mixing gives a ‘live’ feel to the music.
Opening track, Too little Too Late, is awash with a BB King style, both vocally and on guitar. Only the infamous Lucille guitar separates them. By the end of Fear Is My Only Roomate, you can be forgiven for thinking Chris has strapped on BB ’s guitar.
Chicago blues just keeps on rolling track after track and with Good Intentions and Waiting For the Sun To Rise. The similarity in vocals is uncanny however in the latter, the churchy organ adds a slightly different flavour, as does the meatier guitar work.
Homage is paid to the paternal influence on Blues For My Dad. We should be grateful too, for him taking Chris to that inspirational moment in his childhood. Cain clearly takes up the reins of his guitar blues heroes as we hear contemporary blues played in the Chicago blues roots style.
Having toured worldwide and released 15 albums you would expect him to be more familiar with British audiences. Good Intentions Gone Bad was recorded in Greaseland, USA studio in San Jose, California, with his tight knit touring band. There is also a horn section to keep things swinging and jazzy. This album will have BB and Albert fans looking into earlier material.
It may have been late in his musical career before he began recording at 30, however Cain has surely made up for lost times and his Memphis style electric blues is a sound that you will latch onto very quickly. “I know I’ve never sung or played better,” claims Chris.
Chris Cain online: Facebook / Bandcamp
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